Right now I am hosting a giveaway that involves 5 wonderful family friendly businesses in my neighborhood. I'm giving away a full portrait session and there are 5 other fantastic prizes involved. If you haven't entered yet, you can enter by clicking here. Do it quickly, you only have until 11:59pm on Thursday! I can't wait to see who wins this amazing prize package that is chock full of Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood wonderfulness. I grew up in a small town (a really small town) and living in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood I find that there is such a strong sense of community that I can still have that small town feel right in the middle of a big city. Best of both worlds. Now, on to the five fabulous local businesses that make up this giveaway package and why I personally love them...
Camp Hollyhock
(Gabriella wore a Camp Hollyhock headband for her 6 year old shoot.)
Camp Hollyhock is a lovely little shop on 13th street. Camp Hollyhock sells handmade, re-purposed vintage clothing and accessories for women and children. The store is owned by mother-daughter duo, Marcee and Katie Melton. The first day I dropped in at Camp Hollyhock I immediately bought two headbands for my personal family photo session and then mentally filled out a wish list of about 30 other things I wanted for photographing babies and little girls. Plus... a few things I wanted for myself. When you book a session with me, I send you a handy little "What to Wear Guide." In it, I've listed Camp Hollyhock as one of my favorite places to shop for dresses and accessories. Textural details such as lace, embroidery and vintage trim photograph beautifully and you'll find plenty of it in this shop. You can achieve a feminine and timless look that won't scream 2011 when you see your family photos in 20 years.
You can check out Camp Hollyhock on facebook here and keep up with all of the new creations.
Picassitos
Art education is certainly near and dear to my heart... I received my BA in studio art and k-12 art ed. You probably don't want to ask me what I think about the lack of art education in most Oregon schools because I can get just a wee bit soap boxy. Fortunately, there are people like Sarah Gault. Sarah is the friendly and welcoming owner of Picassitos, a relatively new arts and crafts studio on 17th ave. When you visit Picassitos you'll discover a bright and cheerful little studio space that welcomes artists of all ages. You can let your sweet little one paint and create to their hearts content and not have to dread the clean up afterwards. I love making art with my children, but even I sometimes have a deep dread the kitchen clean up afterwards. On most weekday mornings from 9am-3pm Picassitos is open for drop in art (sounds like a pretty great rainy day house escape plan.) From 3pm-5:30 Sarah offers classes for kids and on Tuesday and Thursday evening the tall folks can get in on some classes of their own. You can get more information about schedules and pricing on the website. You can also keep up with Picassitos on facebook.
Haggis McBaggis
Haggis Mcbaggis is a whimsical children's shoe boutique that also carries unique clothing items, accessories and gifts. I have one problem with Haggis McBaggis.... it is always difficult to get my kids to leave the store. I mean, there is a slide after all. Fortunately, the employees are welcoming and helpful and the slide distracts toddlers from their main agenda in a shoe store: throwing shoes off the displays. You can follow Haggis McBaggis on facebook so you will always know what is new. If you live in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by on Monster March day for balloons and goodies!
Nectar Frozen Yogurt Lounge
(Juliana enjoying some Nectar last summer on a Mama-Daughter date.)
Nectar moved in on Bybee when I was about 6 months pregnant with Reed. I can tell you that more than a few times I walked (waddled? surely I didn't waddle) out of there with nice big cup of froyo thinking how stereotypical I must look. I will even go so far as to admit that one evening I had a serious Nectar craving, but the kids were in bed and I was home alone. I took some plain regular greek yogurt and sprinkled some crushed Halloween candy over it. What can I say? It got me through the night. In my non-pregnant state, I still enjoy an afternoon frozen yogurt, but I haven't been tempted to re-try the greek yogurt and candy. Right now Nectar has Pumpkin "on tap." Try mixing it with cake batter flavor... amazing. Be sure to follow on facebook so you will always know if you favorite flavor is in.
Mocha Momma's Good Coffee Cafe
Mocha Momma's is a charming coffee shop and cafe that fits right into our neighborhood. Offering breakfast until 3pm, Kettleman's bagels, lunch and pastries you won't have to rely on the latte to fill you up. Be sure to visit Mocha Momma on facebook.